Colloquially referred to as Mongmyeoksan at one time, Mount Namsan towers over the city at a height of 262 meters (860 feet). During ancient times, it was a shamanistic site and was also home to a Shinto shrine that honored the Japanese goddess Amaterasu. Today, it is a popular destination for several Seoul natives who wish to get away from the city's bustle and find a moment of peace. There are plenty of attractions at the top of the peak, including the famous Namsan Cable Car, the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower and An Jung-geun Memorial Hall; but the peak is most notable for the views it offers across the city's picturesque sweep, from its undulating skyline, to the contours of the mountains that lie beyond.
Opened in 2005, Cheonggyecheon is a beautiful stream which was restored in the year 2005 after years of neglect post the World War. The stream stretches for nearly six kilometers flowing from west to east through the downtown and meets the Jungnangcheon - a tributary of river Han. Although the work on the project invoked criticism on a large scale, the stream is, today, an important tourist destination and also an alternate route for transportation. Various tourist landmarks such as the Deoksugung Palace and Seoul Plaza lie adjacent to Cheonggyecheon, which is marked by beautiful sights such as the fountain at Cheonggye Plaza, a wishing wall and murals and paintings by local artists.
A sizable pocket of green in the city, Seoul Forest is a protected forest, city park and major tourist attraction. Covering a massive 1,200,000 square meters (300 acres), the park is home to a plethora of beautiful of tree and plant species, and is even home to about 100 different animals. Divided into five sections, this is a prime spot for numerous outdoor activities, educational programs and leisurely outings. Peppered with hiking and biking trails, skating ramps and cobbled paths flanked by tree-canopies, this site is every outdoor-enthusiast's paradise.
The granite peaks of this mountain are a famous sight in Korea. Between the peaks are beautiful valleys with areas of woodland, where you will find many rare plants and interesting flowers. In the vicinity are historical sites, too, such as Bukhan Fortress, and some 100 temples dot the nearby hills. For those seeking a bit of exercise, various paths have been laid out, allowing walkers and climbers of all ages and levels to discover the natural joys of this famous landmark.
Glistening granite peaks, rugged landscapes and scattered remnants of history make Bukhansan National Park one of the top outdoor destinations in the city. Baekundae, Mangnyeongdae and Insubong soar to the skies as the park's principal peaks, while historic Buddhist temples lend it a sense of gravitas. Trails slice through the park's vast extent, attracting hikers from across the nation. The park is also home to the ancient Bukhansanseong Fortress, a bastion built to protect the city from invaders circa 132 CE. From the blooming landscape of the park during spring, to the wonder of winter, seasons play their enchanting symphony to the fullest at this park.
Comprising of peaks crowned by striking rock formations, Mount Dobongsan is a hiker's haven. A part of the Bukhansan National Park, this craggy mountain range shelters a dramatic contrast of gleaming granite and wild greenery. Divided by beauteous valleys, it also cocoons temples like Cheonchuksa and Mangwolsa. One of its most prominent peaks is the Seoninbong, which is sliced with 37 hiking trails alone.